Crowded Ride in the Countryside

A farmer's simple drive to the country fair turns into a chaotic journey as more and more of his animals want to climb aboard. The obliging farmer lets each group of animals join him -- first a single chicken, followed by two sheep, three pigs and four cows -- until his little truck gets stuck at the bottom of a steep hill.

Luckily his passengers are as helpful as he is and everyone gets out to push. The trip ends happily with a spectacular crash into the pie contest tent where everyone eats their fill.

Children love to chant the catchy patterned rhymes ("Farmer, farmer, Going to the fair. Chicken wants a ride. There's room to spare.") and return to the book again and again. John Bianchi's wonky cartoon illustrations keep interest high and provide lots of laughs while effectively developing the theme of sharing.

A farmer's simple drive to the country fair turns into a chaotic journey as more and more of his animals want to climb aboard. The obliging farmer lets each group of animals join him -- first a single chicken, followed by two sheep, three pigs and four cows -- until his little truck gets stuck at the bottom of a steep hill.

Luckily his passengers are as helpful as he is and everyone gets out to push. The trip ends happily with a spectacular crash into the pie contest tent where everyone eats their fill.

Children love to chant the catchy patterned rhymes ("Farmer, farmer, Going to the fair. Chicken wants a ride. There's room to spare.") and return to the book again and again. John Bianchi's wonky cartoon illustrations keep interest high and provide lots of laughs while effectively developing the theme of sharing.

Children's Literature

A farmer driving a bright blue pickup begins his trip to the fair with his faithful dog in the passenger seat. As they go along they pick up one chicken, two sheep, three pigs, and four cows. The overloaded pickup stalls and some of the animals jump out to push. They are a bit too energetic. The runaway vehicle hits a rock and all of the occupants fly through the air, landing in the pie tent at the fair. A feast of delicious-looking, although a bit messy, blueberry pie follows. The simple rhyming text will encourage youngsters to read along. Bianchi's colorful, cartoon-like illustrations depict a pleasant looking group of animals and an amiable farmer. Part of the "New Reader" series.

Versatile and prolific, Frank B. Edwards has written 23 children's books (for ages 3 to 12), including juvenile novels, picture books and early readers. His first novel, "Frogger", was nominated for a Silver Birch Award. Frank's humorous picture books are popular with children, parents and teachers alike.

Tucson-based John Bianchi is a popular children's illustrator and author whose picture books have entertained millions of young readers since 1986. He has illustrated almost 50 children's books, including 15 of his own stories. His zany cartoon style is especially effective at bringing stories alive for beginning readers.